Academic Discussion · Set 17

Your professor is teaching a class on the arts. Write a post responding to the professor's question. Contribute your own opinion and reasons, and add to the discussion.

Professor Meyer: Some governments spend public money to support the arts, such as museums, theatres, and concerts. Others argue this money should be spent on things like healthcare and education instead. Should governments fund the arts? Why or why not?

Student (Sofia): I think governments should fund the arts. They enrich people's lives, preserve culture, and attract tourists who bring money to the economy. For example, a free public museum in my city introduced thousands of children to art who would otherwise never have had the chance to visit one.

Student (Ahmed): I disagree. With limited budgets, essentials like hospitals and schools should come first. The arts can be supported by private donations. For example, a hospital in my region recently had to postpone equipment upgrades, which makes funding a theater instead hard to justify.

Write a response of at least 100 words. State your position clearly, give reasons and an example, and refer to a classmate's point where relevant.